LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Some northern Michiganders will be able to resume some form of normalcy, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
On Monday, May 18th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order allowing some business re-openings in the Michigan Economic Recovery Council regions 6 and 8, also known as the Upper Peninsula and the Traverse City area, starting on Friday, May 22nd. The regions are based on the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan.
This means retail businesses, office work that cannot be done remotely, and restaurants and bars can reopen with 50% of their normal seating. Campgrounds and lodging will not be reopening at this time.
This is phase four of the governor’s six phase plan, known as the “improving” phase.
However, cities, villages, and townships may continue more restrictions if they so choose, like only allowing outdoor seating and further restrictions on restaurants or bars.
In a written statement, Whitmer said, “This is a big step, but we must all remember to continue doing our part to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19. It’s crucial that all businesses do everything in their power to protect their workers, customers, and their families. And as we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to be smart and be safe. My team and I will continue to work around the clock to protect the people of Michigan.”
All businesses in regions 6 and 8 will still have to adopt proper safety measures like providing COVID-19 training, the proper use of personal protection equipment, notifying businesses of coronavirus symptoms or possible cases, and how to report unsafe working conditions. Restaurants and bars will have to keep groups at least six feet apart and all servers will have to wear face coverings.
Governor Whitmer says the main reason for the partial reopening is because these regions have not seen as many coronavirus cases and are safe to being reengaging. However she added to everyone thinking about taking a trip up north, “Don’t descend on Traverse City from all regions of the state.” She adds that more re-openings could come in the coming weeks if cases continue to drop.
During a press briefing on Monday Traverse City’s Mayor Jim Carruthers encouraged all residents to still practice social distancing and wear masks in public as they begin to reopen businesses on Friday. “Stopping the spread of this virus is still key and if we can’t, then we will have to close it down again,” Carruthers stated.
Specifically Region 6 counties include:
- Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, and Emmet.
Region 8 counties include:
- Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Baraga, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac, and Chippewa.
More on Michigan’s Safe Start Plan can be found here.
